Cheesy Gashouse Egg Sandwich

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One morning, I was jogging with my friend, Dana, and she asked if I had made any sandwiches that drew upon our favorite breakfast as children - "gashouse" eggs. The idea is that you make a hole in the center of a piece of bread, place the bread in a pan, drop an egg into the hole, and fry it. Think fried egg and toast all in one. Although a gashouse egg doesn't normally call for cheese, I was so inspired that I went right home and came up with this homey, delectable, and easy grilled egg-and-cheese sandwich.

To assemble: Butter one side of each slice of bread, and place on your work surface, buttered side down. Using a 2 1/4-inch-diameter glass,(such as a juice glass), or a sharp knife, cut a 2 1/4-inch hole in the center of each bread slice. Press the cheese evenly onto 4 bread slices around the hold. (It may seem like a lot of cheese, but you'll see that it's the perfect amount. It's okay if a few bits of cheese are left behind.) Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered side up.

To cook: Heat a large nonstick pan over a medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Put the sandwiches in the skillet (in batches if necessary), cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the undersides turn light brown. Turn the sandwiches and, working quickly, separate 1 egg over the small cup, allowing the egg white to drip into the cup. Pour the yolk into the hole in the bread and then pour the egg white over it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Repeat with remaining eggs and sandwiches.

Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the undersides are golden brown, and the yolks have begun to set (the egg whites won't have cooked through yet). Carefully turn the sandwiches again (some of the egg white may run off since it is still partially uncooked. Cover and cook 1 to 3 minutes, depending how you like your eggs. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve right away.

Note: This sandwich cannot be made in a sandwich maker. It can be made on a grill if you use a pan. If you choose to do this, follow directions above for the stovetop method.